After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

Have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving! We're so happy to be in the spirit of humility and gratefulness ... so, ... to all of The Bridal Party's friends and clients, for your support. Also, we send special greetings to the top 25 foreign countries where our overseas blog readers reside: merci --- Canada, France grazie --- Italy danke --- Germany, Austria dziękuję --- Poland salamat --- Philippines dank u wel --- Netherlands धन्यवाद --- India благодаря --- Bulgary 谢谢您 --- Hong Kong, Singapore teşekkür ederim --- Turkey mulţumesc --- Romania dankie --- South Africa obrigado --- Brazil gracias --- Spain, Columbia hvala --- Croatia σας ευχαριστώ --- Greece köszönöm --- Hungary شكرا لك. --- Bahrain - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

We shared our Dancing In September couple's engagement photos back in July, as part of our Weekly Wedding Eye-Candy series, and now the photos of their wedding have arrived! This evening ceremony and reception was held at The Imperia in Somerset, New Jersey (a venue The Bridal Party spent LOTS of time at during the 2009 wedding season). Even though it rained off and on throughout the day, it was a beautiful event, and we wish Doreen & Alex the very best. We're excited to share a few of the best moments of their wedding day below, thanks to so.b.it.art photography . - - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Each year, The Knot surveys over 20,000 brides to find the cream of the crop among wedding professionals across the country...and The Bridal Party made the list! We were just notified of being named a 2010 pick for The Knot's BEST OF WEDDINGS and are beyond thrilled. We're truly humbled by this honor. Wow! The Knot will publish its 2010 BEST OF WEDDINGS lists in their Spring/Summer’10 and Fall/Winter’10 issues, so be on the look out when visiting newstands. This list is a must read if you are planning a wedding because only those nominated and endorsed by brides made the cut. Thank you to all the clients that voted for us.  We're so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with you! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

While taking time out to read my favorite blogs today, I was so excited to come across RedLightStudio's Double-Bride custom designed wedding cake topper. This is undoubtedly one of the sweetest wedding details I've come across in a long time. It's so perfectly emotional. I just love it! You can request two brides, two grooms, a bride and a groom, or even love birds! Visit RedLightStudio's Etsy shop to view their entire collection. - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Today brings two rather philosophical announcements: The Knot has joined forces with lifestyle and beauty brand philosophy on an exciting new partnership:  “ tying The Knot ,” which is a just-for-brides gift set created to pamper the bride-to-be so she looks as beautiful as she feels on her special day.  It's available for purchase on TheKnot.com and philosophy.com, and includes nine essential bridal beauty products including purity one-step facial cleanser, amazing grace firming body emulsion items, kiss me exfoliating lip scrub, hope in a jar moisturizer, microdelivery peel pads, kiss me clear lip balm and eye hope deluxe samples. Also, to help announce the product launch, The Knot and philosophy have also launched the Wedding Day Hope Sweepstakes !  This interactive sitelet invites brides to share their hopes and dreams for their big day. These personal and authentic messages will be posted anonymously on the site’s user-generated bulletin board for everyone to see. The

I doubt it's been revealed whether or not Oprah Winfrey will broadcast her "Favorite Things" episode this year, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I absolutely adore that show. Still, I already have my own list of favorite things which I've decided to share with you, my readers. These items are useful for just about everyone, but perfect for brides and grooms to be. Happy Wedding Registry Shopping! Extra Ingredient Apron Full of pleats and topped with a corsage, this striped beauty adds a dash of black and white to your cooking routine. Designed by Philadelphia-based artist Kim Soles.  Anthropologie .   Capresso Electric Kettle Boil water fast and elegantly with this smart electric kettle. Features concealed heating element, cordless carafe and auto shut-off. Convenient ounce and cup markings on carafe and cool-touch handle.  Sur la table . Dividers Recipe Box  A smart idea with simple styling in durable, eco-friendly bamboo. Acrylic recipe prote

Traditionally, a couple's wedding album was a large white book, but in recent years, its switched to the common big black book . Truth be told, there are endless options for wedding albums available...everything from genuine snake skin covers to metallic pages. Yet, another trend I've noticed over the last few years is that of couples NOT ordering their wedding album at the time they book their photographer. I usually advise against this, but perhaps they're on to something. One would never want to hire or not hire a photographer because of the albums he/she offers (although it should be a serious consideration). Nevertheless, now there's Album Boutique ! With just a few clicks of the mouse, couples are able to upload digital wedding photos from their hard drive and start creating a dream album. Hey, there's nothing wrong with options. Click for more details below: - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PAR

As you discuss and swap ideas for the adult women participating in weddings (brides, bridesmaids, mothers), you certainly should not forget about the "little ladies." Their primary job is to be adorable and invoke lots of ooohs and awwws , so it's important to start shopping early for their ensembles, especially since there are a great many styles and trends for flower girls nowadays. Add these styles to your shopping list ... Us Angels Silky Taffeta orchid dress with sheer illusion neckline Kirstie Kelly for Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Princess Snow White dress with organza skirt and beaded trim bodice Jessica Lynn Taffeta ball gown with gathered crossover bodice Joan Calabrese Sleeveless faille dress with scoop neckline and full gathered skirt Watters Luminescent taffeta dress with flowers at neckline and hem Fox 'n Lily Silk dupioni layered dress   Sweetie Pie Collection Scoop neck, peau satin dress, trimmed in organza Sweet Beginn

I'm a fan of volume in bridal gowns. Not necessarily "poof," but voluptuous substance and intricateness. Hence, I absolutely adore gowns donning ruffles or pleats, so much so I chose to wear a silk couture Romona Keveza along those lines for my own wedding. And singer Rihanna's recent choice for the GLAMOUR awards (pictured above) reminded me, this trend is still very much alive. Below are a few of my favorites, out in the marketplace for brides today: Melissa Sweet Oscar de la Renta Vanitas Pronovias Rosa Clara And last but not least...yours truly in Romona Keveza - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

For New York / New Jersey brides who are planning ahead ... - - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Our February and May posts on recession fashion were pretty popular, which is why we have more great finds to share.  As the holidays approach, everyone's paying close attention to their spending, so here are a few suggestions to you gals getting ready to walk down the aisle, preparing to stand up as bridesmaids or those just joining in the party. BRIDES: Gorgeous choices for $1500 or less... Satin & Lace Beaded Gown   Valentine's Promise , $301.57   Silk Taffeta "Sascha" Gown   J.Crew.com , $1500   Notte by Marchesa Silk Embellished Halter Bluefly.com , $448.80   Sue Wong Strapless Dress with Ostrich Feathers Nordstrom.com , $518   Chiffon Asymmetrical Neckline Gown FlorasDress.com , $108 MAIDS: Gorgeous choices for $148 or less... Adrianna Papell Rosette Halter Dress Nordstrom.com , $148 Jersey Ruffle-Neck Dress J.Crew , $49.99 JS Boutique Surplice Dress with Sequined Waist Nordstrom.com , $88.90 Sunlit Angles Sheath An